Unhappy Feeling: Mental Health and America’s Housing Crisis

October 25th, 2024

Three pictures side by side showing spoken word artist Adan Bean, a house with a For Sale sign outside, and HomeStretch Executive Director Chery Carter hugging Tawana Thompson, a participant in the HomeStretch supportive housing program. — From left to right: Spoken word artist Adan Bean and Cheryl Carter, the executive director of HomeStretch and Tawana Thompson, a participant in the HomeStretch supportive housing program, were featured guests on the national PRX program on “Closer Look” that examined the mental health consequences of housing instability. (LaShawn Hudson/ WABE and Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press)

Throughout the nation, it’s estimated there’s a current shortage of 4 to 7 million affordable housing units. Both renters and buyers are faced with uncertainty while navigating the unbalanced market. Renters typically need to meet stringent requirements, including making at least three times the monthly rent. Meanwhile, people wanting to purchase a home have a limited selection of housing options due to low housing inventory and high home prices.

Research suggests the struggle to maintain stable housing can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional health. Many people experience heightened anxiety, stress, depression or other mental health issues. For the third national PRX show on “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott explores the mental health consequences of housing instability and possible solutions.

First, Adán Bean centers the experiences of people who are experiencing homelessness in a spoken word performance in downtown Atlanta. Bean seeks to share what a day and life is like for someone who is experiencing homelessness.

We then hear from Cheryl Carter, the executive director of HomeStretch, and Tawana Thompson, a participant in the HomeStretch supportive housing program. Thompson explains how being without stable housing took a toll on her and daughter’s mental health and how their lives were transformed through HomeStretch’s program. Carter talks about her organization’s work to disrupt the cycle of homelessness.

Scott then talks with Shanquita Tate and CJ Stewart, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder and co-founder of the Atlanta-based LEAD Center for Youth. Tate talks about the challenges she and her husband are currently facing as they try to find stable housing for their four children. Stewart explains how his organization is working to help the Tate family.

Katie Fallon, a principal policy associate in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute, talks about the many ways being unhoused can impact a person’s mental health. She shares details about the philosophical approach, Housing First. The model is supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It prioritizes providing permanent stable housing to people experiencing homelessness.

Lastly, Scott talks one-on-one with Bean about the layered and complex plight of people who are experiencing homelessness. He explains why and how people who are unhoused are oftentimes overlooked and he stresses the importance of seeing people beyond their current situation.